Navy Bean-Rich Diet for Fatty Liver Disease

(BEAN-MASLD Trial)

XZ
MB
Overseen ByMeena Bansal
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a diet rich in navy beans can benefit individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and moderate liver scarring (fibrosis). Participants will follow two diets: their regular diet and one where navy beans replace some usual foods, guided by dietitians. The trial aims to determine if participants can adhere to this diet and find it acceptable. This study may suit adults with doctor-confirmed MASLD and liver fibrosis, who maintain stable medication use, and are willing to eat navy beans regularly. As an unphased trial, it offers an opportunity to explore a potentially beneficial dietary approach for liver health.

What prior data suggests that the navy bean-rich diet is safe for adults with MASLD?

Research has shown that a diet rich in navy beans might be a safe choice for people with fatty liver disease. Studies have found that increasing bean consumption can reduce liver fat and improve liver health. Beans are part of the Mediterranean diet, which is known to help with liver issues even without weight loss.

Regarding safety, no specific reports of serious side effects from eating navy beans exist. Most people tolerate beans well, though some might experience mild digestive issues like gas. However, these are common and usually not harmful. This makes a navy bean-rich diet a promising and safe option for those looking to improve liver health through dietary changes.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard treatments for fatty liver disease, which often involve medications or lifestyle changes like exercise and weight loss, a navy bean-rich diet offers a natural and food-based approach. Researchers are excited about this treatment because navy beans are high in fiber and antioxidants, which can help improve liver health by reducing inflammation and fat accumulation. This dietary approach is also easily accessible, potentially making it a sustainable and cost-effective option for managing the disease.

What evidence suggests that a navy bean-rich diet could be effective for fatty liver disease?

Research has shown that eating more legumes, such as navy beans, can help with fatty liver disease. One study found a link between increased legume consumption and a lower risk of this condition. Another study discovered that beans can reduce liver fat, which is important because less fat in the liver can lead to less liver damage. Additionally, diets including beans may improve liver health by lowering liver-related enzymes and fat content. This trial will evaluate the effects of a navy bean-rich diet on liver health. Participants will follow a navy bean-rich diet in one phase and their habitual diet in another phase. These findings suggest that a diet rich in navy beans could benefit people with liver issues related to metabolic problems.12367

Who Is on the Research Team?

XZ

Xiaotao Zhang, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) who have moderate liver scarring (stage F2-F3).

Inclusion Criteria

Willing and able to consume study navy beans and complete dietary recalls (ASA-24/DSQ)
Body mass index 25-45 kg/m²
Alcohol intake below MASLD thresholds (≤15 drinks/week for men, ≤10 drinks/week for women)
See 6 more

Exclusion Criteria

Legume/bean allergy or intolerance
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Contraindications to MRI such as non-compatible implants or severe claustrophobia
See 13 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment Phase 1

Participants follow either a habitual diet or a navy-bean-rich diet for 12 weeks

12 weeks
Regular visits with dietitians

Treatment Phase 2

Participants cross over to the alternate diet for another 12 weeks

12 weeks
Regular visits with dietitians

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Navy Bean-Rich Diet

Trial Overview

The study compares a regular diet to one where navy beans are swapped in for other foods, keeping calories the same. Each participant tries both diets for 12 weeks each, guided by dietitians.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Sequence B: Navy Bean-Rich Diet → Habitual DietExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: Sequence A: Habitual Diet → Navy Bean-Rich DietExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Lead Sponsor

Trials
933
Recruited
579,000+

Citations

Thwarting Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver ... - PMC

Consumption of bean markedly reduced the lipid content per g liver dry weight in both females and males (Figure 1).

Dietary Patterns, Foods, and Nutrients to Ameliorate Non- ...

Conclusions: A high-quality diet could improve liver steatosis. Weight loss through hypocaloric diet together with physical activity and limited sugar intake ...

Fatty liver disease (MASLD) diet

Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lose weight. Losing 5% to 10% of body weight can significantly improve MASLD.

Fatty Liver Diet: What Foods to Eat and Avoid

LD Both beans and soy have shown promise in reducing the risk of NAFLD. a 2019 study found diets rich in legumes specifically helped lower the likelihood of ...

5.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30796701/

Legume intake and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Our findings suggest that higher intake of total legumes (beans, lentils, and peas) was associated with lower risk of NAFLD.

Are Green Beans Good for Fatty Liver? Evidence and ...

Summary: Green beans are beneficial for fatty liver disease as part of a liver-protective dietary pattern, providing fibre, antioxidants, and ...

Isocaloric Navy-Bean Substitution in... | Clinical Trial

This study is a 24-week randomized crossover feasibility trial evaluating an isocaloric navy-bean dietary substitution in 40 adults with ...